What might motivate the establishment of Aedes species in new areas?

The establishment of Aedes species, such as Aedes aegypti and Aedes albopictus, in new regions can often be significantly influenced by human activities. In this context, the importation of tires that harbor mosquito eggs is a particularly compelling factor.

Used tires create an ideal breeding habitat for Aedes mosquitoes because they can collect rainwater, providing stagnant water where the females lay their eggs. When these tires are transported to new areas, they can introduce the mosquito species into ecosystems where they previously did not exist. This method of establishment is often associated with the global trade and movement of goods, which inadvertently facilitates the spread of insects that can be carriers of diseases such as dengue and Zika virus.

While natural migration, climate changes, and pest control campaigns can also influence the distribution of Aedes species, the importation of tires is a direct human activity that offers a practical and immediate avenue for their establishment in new locations. Climate change may expand the range of suitable habitats over time, but it does not account for the rapid and localized introduction that importation does. Similarly, pest control campaigns aim to reduce populations rather than facilitate their spread.